An original Tootal scarf dressing a vintage Pea Coat

Following directly on from the last post, while admiring Emporium’s vintage US Navy Pea Coats, I also happened across Jonathan’s collection of vintage Tootal scarves, which he’s selling for between £18 and £20 depending on the condition and design.

If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, then below is a quick history lesson; otherwise, skip to the bottom of the post for the pretty pictures (and we promise not to think anything less of you).

Tootal is one of England’s oldest brands, having originally been founded in Manchester by textile merchant Robert Gardner in 1799. The Tootal family become involved in the business in 1842 and, after several name changes, in 1888 settled on, and registered, the name Tootal Broadhurst Lee Co Ltd.

The company’s distinctive paisley and polka-dot scarves, for which they became renowned, proved popular accessories from the 1920s to the 1950s, particularly amongst the working class. They became a key fashion accessory during World War II, becoming forever associated with the “RAF” look. As a result of this look, the scarves enjoyed a revival in the 60s when they were adopted by the Mod fraternity, for whom it remains an iconic fashion label. That connection allowed the scarves to undergo yet another resurrection being sported by the likes of Paul Weller, Liam Gallagher and Robbie Williams in that whole Britpop indie era of the nineties.

And it seems yet another revival is underway, as they became a must have accessory this autumn and winter. The owners of the Tootal brand have raided their pattern archive to produce a new range of scarves. Produced first in limited editions and stocked by such houses of fashion as Harvey Nichols, if anything it makes the original scarves even more highly prized. And of course, unlike the new Tootal scarves, the originals proudly bear the words ‘Made in England’. In every sense these scarves are a genuine bit of English neckwear.

A few examples that caught my eye.

Labels: 1960's, Accessories, Emporium, Vintage